TED Health The science of taste and smell with Rachel Herz | from ReThinking with Adam Grant
Aug 12, 2025
In this conversation, neuroscientist Rachel Herz from Brown University shares her expertise on the intriguing world of taste and smell. She explains the concept of super tasters and how genetics influence our food preferences. The discussion explores the emotional power of scent and its impact on relationships. Herz reveals surprising insights from a survey about smell preferences during the pandemic. They also touch on how visual elements can alter taste perception and the potential for technology to connect scent with digital experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
What Makes Someone A Super-Taster
- Genetics give you extra taste buds and extreme bitter sensitivity.
- Rachel Herz says super-tasters perceive flavors much more intensely.
Use Salt To Soften Bitterness
- Use salt to reduce bitter perception because salt blocks bitter taste.
- Rachel Herz warns heavy salt use can create a feedback loop increasing salt preference.
Why Cilantro Smells Like Soap To Some
- Genetic differences in olfactory receptors make cilantro taste soapy for some people.
- Rachel Herz explains missing herbaceous receptors leave only a soap-like note.
